§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes for the improvements to communications recommended by his Department's consultants in their report, "Cumbria's Economy, Strategic Needs and Opportunities in the 1990s."
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 22 November 1991]: Following my right hon. Friend's announcement of measures for West Cumbria and Furness on 13 June, the Cumbria action team was promptly established in the area with bases at Barrow and Cockermouth. The team has established close and regular links with business leaders, key local agencies and others concerned with the economic development of the area.
A steering group involving the regional directors of Government Departments has also been established to 464W ensure effective liaison at senior level between Departments on issues concerning West Cumbria and Barrow. In addition to regular meetings between Departments, this group has held other meetings with representatives of key agencies in the area with a follow-up arranged for mid-December. I plan to be in Whitehaven on that occasion and to attend the meeting.